About

Dates! An Anthology of Queer Historical Fiction (Volume 2)

$34,222

pledged of $22,000 goal

1,023

backers

Dates is an anthology of queer historical fiction that focuses on positive and hopeful representations of queer folks throughout history and across the world. In 2015, we started that mission with Dates 1… and now we need your help to print Volume 2!

Cover artwork by Erica Chan! (text design not final)

The second volume of Dates is going even bigger than the first, with 260+ pages of black and white comics, full color illustrations, and prose! All the art is finished and ready to go, but we still need your help to go to print and finish paying our creators!

Every queer person knows how hard it is to find ourselves in fiction, and how much harder it is to find fiction where our stories don’t end tragically. And of course, it’s particularly difficult to find happy queer characters in historical fiction. We wanted to work towards evening the score, and the result was Dates 1: a 176 page celebration of queer identities of all kinds, across the world and throughout history. We were thrilled by the reception to Dates 1, and we knew people still had more stories to tell, so we decided to do it all again. And just like last year, there are no tragic endings.

A few things have changed this year: all the stories are longer (up to 16 pages!) and all relate to one central theme: Progress. 35 amazing creators have come together to tell stories about personal, societal, and technological progress, creating a total of 218 pages of comics, 16 stunning color illustrations, and 2 short prose stories. Watch a young trans woman grow into herself in 19th century Bengal, or a young woman from the 1920s Dominican Republic study to become a doctor. Or, if you’re interested in a raucous good time, join two innkeepers as they stand their ground in Mesopotamia during Hammurabi’s reign. The final book will be more than 260 pages long, perfect bound, and gorgeous. The stories are all safe for work, too, so you can share the book with all but the youngest of readers. We’re in love with the work our contributors have done—help us share it with the world!

Artwork by Telênia Albuquerque

Zora Gilbert and Cat Parra are back, once again, to edit Dates 2! We’re thrilled to say that a number of our creators from the first volume have also returned:

Dante Luiz and Rel’s comics, as well as Ariel Vittori’s illustrations,will be exclusive to the Kickstarter... so get those while you can!

Artwork from "Lex Talonius," by Val Wise

The comics are complete and the book is on its way toward being put together, so the main goal of this Kickstarter is to print Dates 2 as a 6”x9”, 260+ page, perfect bound paperback book, complete with full color comic covers and illustrations and to pay our contributors!

We’ve already paid our creative teams an on-completion rate of $20/page, but we need to raise the money to increase that to a total of $50 per page.

In our funding goal of $22,000:

$7,860 will go towards paying our contributors.

$8,130 will go towards proofing and printing the books

$2,910 will go towards shipping books to backers

$300 will go towards paying for and shipping other backer rewards

$2,200 will go towards Kickstarter fees

$600 will be wiggle room

Artwork from "La Estudiante," by Kelly Fernandez

As we hit stretch goals, we’ll be able to print more books, give our creators better pay, and get you some nice bonuses as well!

$27,000: Spot UV and contributor pay increase - UNLOCKED!

We’ll add spot UV to the cover for some extra flare. Also, contributors/creative teams will be paid an additional$10/page (for a total of $60/page).

$33,000: Extra print (and more contributor pay!)

We’ll print A D’Amico’s gorgeous Valentine’s Day illustration as a 6”x9” postcard and add it to all tiers $30 and above! Also, contributors/creative teams will be paid an additional $20/page (for a total of $70/page).

$37,000: DATES 1 REPRINT!That’s right! If we hit $37,000, we’ll be able to reprint Dates 1 in all its original glory! If we hit this goal, we’ll be adding extra reward tiers that include Volume 1—so if you want to get your hands on this out of print original, back now!

$41,000+: Contributor pay increases!At $41,000 and for every $5,000 we raise above it, contributors will be paid an additional$10/page (on top of previous increases)!

Artwork from "Makahiya," by Isa Enriquez

$5: FIRETHE WALLPAPER! Thank you for your support! You get access to Erica Chan’s gorgeous cover art as a high-definition wallpaper.

$10: WRITTEN LANGUAGETHE PDF! You get the full, DRM-free PDF of Dates 2, and your name in our acknowledgements pages!

$15: ALGEBRATHE BONUS COLLECTION! You get the PDF, your name on our acknowledgements page, and the bonus collection ––a Kickstarter exclusive bundle featuring comics by Rel and Dante Luiz, illustrations by Ariel Vittori, and the high-res wallpaper!

$20: COMPASSTHE DIGITAL PACKAGE! You get the PDF, the bonus collection, your name on the acknowledgements page, and the full, DRM-free PDF of Dates 1!

$25: PRINTING PRESSTHE BOOK! You get the PDF, your name on our acknowledgements page, and a real, physical copy of Dates 2! UPDATE 3/24: Any backers at this level and above who also back Fresh Romance 2at any physical book level will receive a FREE EXCLUSIVE PRINT!

$30: TELESCOPEBOOK & BONUS! You get the PDF, your name on our acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of Dates 2, and the bonus collection! UPDATE 3/25: We unlocked our second stretch goal! That means that all backers at this level and above will also get a FREE 6"x9" PRINT of A D'Amico's lovely Valentines Day illustration!

$35: PISTON ENGINEBOOK & DIGITAL PACKAGE! You get your name on our acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of Dates 2, and the full digital package!

$50: TELEGRAPHTHE TWIN PACKAGE! You get your name on the acknowledgements page, two paperback copies of Dates 2, and the full digital package!

$60: STEELTHE ENAMEL PIN! You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of Dates 2, the full digital package, and a 1.5 inch diameter enamel pin designed by Zora Gilbert!

Update:

Print by Effie Lee!

If you back at this tier or any other that includes the enamel pin you are also eligible to get this print by Dates 1 and 2 artist Effie Lee! We offered this print as a reward for the Dates 1 Kickstarter campaign and we have a small number left over, so if you want it here's what you can do:

If you want just the print, instead of the pin, message us on Kickstarter! We’ll make a note to swap them out.

If you want the print and the pin, add $10 to your pledge and message us on Kickstarter. Again, we’ll make a note to add the print on!

$60: ELECTRIC LIGHTTHE RETAILER LEVEL! 5 copies of of Dates 2 at wholesale value. This tier is for retailers and libraries only!

$100: GAS AUTOMOBILEWRITING COMMISSIONS! You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of Dates 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, and Gwen C. Katz will write a 2000-word short about a historical topic of your choosing (note: Gwen reserves the right to negotiate topics she deems inappropriate). Click through the image to read a sample of her writing!

$100: MOTORIZED AIRCRAFTPORTRAIT COMMISSIONS! You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of Dates 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, and one of the amazing artists below will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Ahmara Smith (5 slots left!)

Cat Parra (Sold out!)

Dante Luiz (3 slots left!)

Erica Chan (1 slot left!)

Fanfi (5 slots left!)

Grace Park (sold out!)

Imas Esther (2 slots left!)

Ingram (sold out!)

Jessica Trevino (1 slot left!)

Kelly Fernandez (2 slots left!)

Michelle Gruppetta (3 slots left!)

Nicole Fieger (3 slots left!)

Telênia Albuquerque (2 slots left!)

$200: SPACE TRAVELORIGINAL PAGES! You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of Dates 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, and a page of original art from one of the amazing comics below:

"Kantha" by Effie Lee. NOTE: Backers will receive one of six original pages, not necessarily one displayed here.

"Reflections of a Glassmaker" with pencils by Cat Parra and inks by Effie Lee. NOTE: Backers will receive one of five original pages, not necessarily one displayed here.

"Inkblot" by Marie-Anne Dt. NOTE: Backers will receive one of five original pages, not necessarily one displayed here.

Risks and challenges

All the comics are finished, we have our printers lined up for books and backer rewards, and all that’s left to do is put the book together and go to print! Our only risks are delays during printing and fulfillment, but we've done this before and know exactly what to expect.

If any delays do occur, rest assured that we'll make sure to notify backers as soon as we can.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 15 or more
About US$ 15

ALGEBRA

THE BONUS COLLECTION!
You get the PDF, your name on our acknowledgements page, and the bonus collection––a Kickstarter-exclusive bundle featuring comics by Rel and Dante Luiz, illustrations by Ariel Vittori, and the high-res wallpaper!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

GAS AUTOMOBILE (GWEN C. KATZ)

COMMISSION - GWEN C. KATZ!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Gwen C. Katz will write a 2000-word historical fiction short about a topic of your choosing!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (AHMARA SMITH)

COMMISSION - AHMARA SMITH!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Ahmara Smith will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (CAT PARRA)

COMMISSION - CAT PARRA!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Cat Parra will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (DANTE LUIZ)

COMMISSION - DANTE LUIZ!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Dante Luiz will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (ERICA CHAN)

COMMISSION - ERICA CHAN!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Erica Chan will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (FANFI)

COMMISSION - FANFI!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Fanfi will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (GRACE PARK)

COMMISSION - GRACE PARK!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Grace Park will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (IMAS ESTHER)

COMMISSION - IMAS ESTHER!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Imas Esther will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (INGRAM)

COMMISSION - INGRAM!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Ingram will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (JESSICA TREVINO)

COMMISSION - JESSICA TREVINO!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Jessica Trevino will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (KELLY FERNANDEZ)

COMMISSION - KELLY FERNANDEZ!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Kelly Fernandez will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (MICHELLE GRUPPETTA)

COMMISSION - MICHELLE GRUPPETTA!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Michelle Gruppetta will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (NICOLE FIEGER)

COMMISSION - NICOLE FIEGER!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Nicole Fieger will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

MOTORIZED AIRCRAFT (TELENIA ALBUQUERQUE)

COMMISSION - TELENIA ALBUQUERQUE!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND Telênia Albuquerque will draw your character or favorite historical figure in period-appropriate finery of your choice!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

SPACE TRAVEL (KANTHA)

KANTHA ORIGINAL PAGE!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND an original page from Effie Lee's comic, "Kantha," shipped straight to your door!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

SPACE TRAVEL (REFLECTIONS)

REFLECTIONS OF A GLASSMAKER ORIGINAL PAGE!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND an original page from Cat Parra and JJ Barnes' comic, "Reflections of a Glassmaker," shipped straight to your door!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

SPACE TRAVEL (INKBLOT)

INKBLOT ORIGINAL PAGE!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND an original page from Marie-Anne Dt's comic, "Inkblot," shipped straight to your door!

(note: "Inkblot" original pages will ship from France; all other rewards ship from the US.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

SPACE TRAVEL (LEARNED)

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM YOU ORIGINAL PAGE!
You get your name on the acknowledgements page, a paperback copy of DATES 2, the full digital package, the enamel pin, AND an original page from Rel's Bonus Collection comic, "What I Have Learned From You," shipped straight to your door!